feb 1, 1920 - Punch and Judy
Description:
The classic puppets Punch and Judy have been performing for the British audience for over 350 years. With Italian roots their first British performance is recorded as May 1662. Originally Punch and Judy was adult comedy (V&A). Its dialogue was adult banter that made light of domestic violence. Punch was accustomed to providing his wife and other victims with a slap from his bat. Those who worked with the puppet were known as professors. Some famous ones include; 17th century, Signor Bologna, 18th century Martin Powell and 20th century Fred Tickner (V&A). Over the years they developed from a puppet on string to the hand puppets, the duo puppet act became a popular act at seaside British resorts, attracting children now as well as adults. Professors carried on the traditional plots and visionary elements that had been passed down. its popularity had declined at the beginning of the 20th century, as had puppetry in general.
In the 1970 and 1980s groups evolved based on the Punch and Judy act. These included; the bench uncles, the swatchel omis and the counter culturalists (V&A). The legacy of Punch and Judy lives on into the 21st century, to this day has remained controversial. Punch and Judy, bat and all had been deemed icons of England in 2006.
Added to timeline:
100 Years of TYA
100 Years of TYA
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